HC Deb 11 November 1971 vol 825 c217W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is aware that the Chairman of the Board of the National Gallery has stated to the hon. Member for Smethwick that it would not be right to assist him in the performance of his duties by making available to him correspondence which passed in 1920-21 between the National Gallery and the Department then responsible; and, having regard to the fact that counterparts of this correspondence are readily accessible at the Public Record Office, if she will state whether or not the Chairman's denial of facilities was made with her authority.

Mrs. Thatcher

No. My authority was not sought and is not required.